UK Can I ask for some career advice

[Paris2]

I am wanting some advice as someone looking to get in to the industry.
Hopefully a couple of you don't mind sparing a bit of time helping me get my head straight.

I currently work in IT, and whilst it's a decent career, I'm finding more and more that it's not for me.
So I am looking at options of a career change, and this one interests me.

I have done some reading online, looked at courses/schemes etc and think I am making some progress in to understanding what is required.
I've read through this site: Morris Services - Getting Started - https://www.morrisservices.co.uk/gettingstarted.asp which I've seen referenced here.

What I would like to know is if my plan is feasible, or even possible, before I invest any more time and effort.

Plan:
Step 1. Start out with a Domestic Installer course (is this where everyone starts?)

Step 2. Get a job as an electricians mate/helper.
Initially it would be ideal to do this part time (even working for free) just to gain experience. Whilst still doing my current day job at reduced hours.

Step 3. After a year or so progress to the next step qualification wise.
If all is going well move to spend more of my time on electrical work over my current work (IT).

Step 4. Eventually quit my current job and start working full time once qualified.

I'm 32 and have a child and a mortgage, so the apprentice route just won't work for me.
I am very realistic, but would like to think I can make the career change fully in perhaps 2-3 years.

Does all of this sound doable, or is this pie in the sky and I should quit before I've started?

 

[telectrix]

short course will only allow you to work in domestic. whatever quals they give you will not count in the industry for industrial, commercial, or site work. tou can do the "prope"r quals evenings or 1 day a week at a local college. 2356, parts 2 and 3, nvq3 and am2. takes about 3 years. and you need to be working ( even as a mate) to complete a portfolio for nvq. loads of posts on here about the subject.

 

[pc1966]

None of us can answer what is best for you, only give you some advice about how to get in to electrical work or to help out with specific topics if you need some extra tuiton (and ask nicely). If you start doing some of it in a domestic situation you will quickly find out if it is something you like doing.

All jobs have good and bad points, if you have worked for an "IT hell desk" you are probably prepared for the world outside and the ups and downs!

 

[Paris2]

short course will only allow you to work in domestic. whatever quals they give you will not count in the industry for industrial, commercial, or site work. tou can do the "prope"r quals evenings or 1 day a week at a local college. 2356, parts 2 and 3, nvq3 and am2. takes about 3 years. and you need to be working ( even as a mate) to complete a portfolio for nvq. loads of posts on here about the subject.

Thanks for the response.
Whilst it means I won't be able to do industrial/commercial to begin with. Would this at least be a viable route towards that?
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None of us can answer what is best for you, only give you some advice about how to get in to electrical work or to help out with specific topics if you need some extra tuiton (and ask nicely). If you start doing some of it in a domestic situation you will quickly find out if it is something you like doing.

All jobs have good and bad points, if you have worked for an "IT hell desk" you are probably prepared for the world outside and the ups and downs!

IT Hell desk would pretty much describe my daily life at the moment.

 

[telectrix]

Thanks for the response.
Whilst it means I won't be able to do industrial/commercial to begin with. Would this at least be a viable route towards that?
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IT Hell desk would pretty much describe my daily life at the moment.

A short course will cost you in the region of £6000 and will give you little or no practical training, then you would be let loose to practice on an unsuspecting public. Better to put that £6k towards getting industry regognised quals,

 

[derek]

Thanks for the response.
Whilst it means I won't be able to do industrial/commercial to begin with. Would this at least be a viable route towards that?
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IT Hell desk would pretty much describe my daily life at the moment.

I don't think the domestic installer route is the best way into commercial or industrial work. Industrial standards are far higher than a lot of domestic work these days; there are some excellent, conscientious sparks in the domestic arena but you are far more likely to end up learning from someone who will teach you bad practices. Getting it done quickly and cheaply seems to often be the norm in domestic and even some commercial jobs as well.
For most commercial and industrial jobs you'll need a JIB gold card which means a theory qualification such as the city and guilds 2365 and NVQ 2356 plus AM2, or this can all be included in the NVQ 2357.
Apprenticeship is still the best way in. You'll have to apply to hundreds of engineering and m&e companies, both large and small, to stand a chance of getting a start. Evening college is a good way in as well, while learning as much as you can about cable containment installation practices. YouTube and manufactures' websites and forums such as this, all provide excellent guides.
Once you are familiar with the methods you can try for work as an electrician's mate/electrical labourer. Alternatively you could get work as a general labourer and pick up tips while working in the trade and building up a network of contacts. Best to get an ECS card or a CSCS card to cover basic health and safety on site.
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Sorry I should add that my background is in electrical installation, there is also an equally potentially interesting career in electrical maintenance which can include anything from BMS and HVAC in hospitals to PLCs in manufacturing and process control. If you can program then PLC programming might be worth considering, there are many control and automation companies. Also Schneider are often recruiting trainee BMS engineers. Security systems, fire alarms, AV and home automation, all provide specialist fields to excel in. Then there are those who work on HV distribution etc. the list is endless really.
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If I had my time again I'd be looking at mechatronics, but I currently work in the water industry and am trying to learn more about process control.

 

[Paris2]

Thanks for the info, lots to think about for sure.

If I wanted to just get in to Domestic, and potentially commercial further down the line. Would Domestic be a good place to start?

Or is Domestic just a saturated market meaning I won't have much luck gaining employment?

 

[KennyKen]

You’ll be more suited to PLC’s and utilise existing skills for logic programming and function block edits. In the eyes of a prospective employer of course.

 

[Mike Johnson]

The problem with all jobs/professions is that we always think the grass is greener on the other side, have a look on U-Tube for some of the chaps who post about domestic installations and see if that is really what you want to swap your office sit down mostly based job for.

 

[telectrix]

Thanks for the info, lots to think about for sure.

If I wanted to just get in to Domestic, and potentially commercial further down the line. Would Domestic be a good place to start?

Or is Domestic just a saturated market meaning I won't have much luck gaining employment?

the domestic market is saturated with boil in the bag short course 5 week wonders, all in a race to the bottom, undercutting prices. glad i'm semi-retired now and just picking out small specialist and repairjobs , maintenance, fault finding etc., where less experienced guys can't hack it.

 

[Paris2]

Thanks everyone.

I'm going to continue to do some research before making any decisions.
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The problem with all jobs/professions is that we always think the grass is greener on the other side, have a look on U-Tube for some of the chaps who post about domestic installations and see if that is really what you want to swap your office sit down mostly based job for.

This is so very true

 

[derek]

If you wanted to start in domestic I'd still start with an industry recognised qualification like the c&g2365 level 2 and 3 if I were you, it covers electrical and magnetic theory and circuit design, and will give you a solid understanding to back up any practical skills you later develop.It can be done at evening college which can fit around your current job, hopefully allowing you to put money aside, as the construction industry is definitely one where you need savings to cover you for lack of work due to delayed projects or recession and winter can be lean as well. You can then go on to complete your NVQ level 3 at a later date when you start the variety of work that is required.

 

[Paris2]

Thanks Derek.

Is this the sort of thing you mean?

C&G 2365 Level 2&3 Diploma Course Package | Tradeskills4u

C&G 2365 Level 2&3 Diploma Course Package - book this electrical course package and receive an additional wiring regulations course.

www.tradeskills4u.co.uk

 

[derek]

Thanks Derek.

Is this the sort of thing you mean?

C&G 2365 Level 2&3 Diploma Course Package | Tradeskills4u

C&G 2365 Level 2&3 Diploma Course Package - book this electrical course package and receive an additional wiring regulations course.

www.tradeskills4u.co.uk

That is quite expensive but it is the right course. I had a quick look and Brian Scaddon associates do it cheaper, not sure if there is an evening option though. Have you looked at your local technical college?

 

[telectrix]

Thanks Derek.

Is this the sort of thing you mean?

C&G 2365 Level 2&3 Diploma Course Package | Tradeskills4u

C&G 2365 Level 2&3 Diploma Course Package - book this electrical course package and receive an additional wiring regulations course.

www.tradeskills4u.co.uk

that'sthe one, but as derek says, shop around for not just price, but also to siut your availability to attend.

 

[Paris2]

Ok thanks, I appreciate the guidance.

I’ve not done any looking around just yet. Just trying to make sure I am looking around for the right thing first.
Now assuming I did this course, would this be adequate to get in to start working for someone? Are these qualifications what is generally looked for by an employer? (Obviously experience is great too but that’ll come in time).

 

[JAWS]

Ok thanks, I appreciate the guidance.

I’ve not done any looking around just yet. Just trying to make sure I am looking around for the right thing first.
Now assuming I did this course, would this be adequate to get in to start working for someone? Are these qualifications what is generally looked for by an employer? (Obviously experience is great too but that’ll come in time).

Maybe, maybe not... A lot of us trainee's are happy to work for free Paris2 with the level 2 and 3 and 18th to get that experience as its worth its weight in gold & you can ring round, email as many electrican companies as you want you may be lucky to get a couple of replies and may be even more lucky to be offered a place but its proper hard to get in the industry

The other alternative is sign up for agencies but with them asking for experience its tough.

This is one of the main reasons IMHO why many people take the Domestic installer route.

 

[derek]

I wouldn't work for free, if the other people on site find out you are undercutting them you'll get a lot of grief.
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It is easy when you've done proper research to blag your way into a big site via an agency. I've worked with loads of clueless electricians mates and 'sparks' over the years, if they seem keen to learn I usually help them out a bit as we all have to start somewhere.

 

[derek]

I should also add that by working for free you would be contributing to the race to the bottom for prices, allowing the electrician you are working with to undercut their rivals. This drives down prices and means reduced profit margins for everyone and will affect you when you are qualified/experienced enough to go out on your own.

 

[Andy78]

I should also add that by working for free you would be contributing to the race to the bottom for prices, allowing the electrician you are working with to undercut their rivals. This drives down prices and means reduced profit margins for everyone and will affect you when you are qualified/experienced enough to go out on your own.

Plus psychologically you devalue your own worth in the minds of others and your own mind. Not a good way to start out.